Mercedes-AMG is signaling that additional V8-powered models could be on the horizon as the performance brand continues expanding the use of its new flat-plane crank V8 engine. While the powertrain has already been introduced in the GLE and GLS, company executives say more applications are under consideration, including potential future performance sedans.
AMG Continues Bringing V8 Power Back
Mercedes-AMG has recently drawn attention for its growing lineup of electric performance vehicles, including the GT Four-Door and the latest CLA, which replaced its turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an all-electric powertrain.
At the same time, AMG has begun reintroducing V8 engines to parts of its lineup. The company’s new flat-plane crank V8 is now available in the GLE and GLS, reflecting its commitment to expanding V8 availability. AMG has also been bringing six-cylinder engines back to models that previously used them.
C63 and E63 Remain Key Questions
Among enthusiasts, the Mercedes-AMG C63 and E63 continue to be closely watched.
The current C63 uses a four-cylinder plug-in hybrid powertrain instead of the V8 offered by previous generations. According to the source article, the issue was not its performance output but the replacement of the V8 with an electrified turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
The current E-Class lineup does not include an E63. Instead, the highest-performance version is the E53, powered by a turbocharged inline-six engine paired with a plug-in hybrid system.
Mercedes Executive Says “Stay Tuned”
Road & Track asked Mercedes-Benz board member Mathias Geisen about the possibility of fitting the new flat-plane crank V8 into the C-Class and E-Class.
Geisen, who is responsible for sales and customer experience, responded, “Stay tuned,” before adding, “One step after the other. First we have to make sure we have a very nice and sophisticated V8, and of course we now look into market demand and have some plans of where else to use it.”
The comments indicate that Mercedes-AMG is evaluating additional uses for the engine as it assesses customer demand.
Additional Models Could Follow
The source article notes that the upcoming CLE Mythos could provide an indication of future V8-powered AMG products.
It also states that an updated AMG S63 has been spotted during testing and suggests it could use the same V8 engine already available in the GLE 63 and GLS 63.
While Mercedes-AMG has not confirmed the return of V8-powered C63 or E63 models, the company says it is considering additional applications for its new V8 engine as it continues evaluating future product plans.
